How do abortion laws affect young women in Africa?
Over 6 million unsafe abortions take place in Sub-Saharan Africa annually
Africa Daily · BBC World Service
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Show Notes
Before you listen to this episode, please be warned we will be discussing incidents that are highly distressing. Some of the explanations could upset some listeners.
Abortion laws vary across Africa, leading to many cases of unsafe abortions. Sub-Saharan Africa records over 6 million unsafe abortions annually according to the African Institute for Development Policy. The maternal death rate from unsafe abortions in Africa remains among the highest globally, underscoring the urgent need for clearer laws and better access to safe care. In Uganda, abortion is illegal unless the mother’s life is at risk, which has meant that many there resort to unsafe terminations. Despite significant funding for post-abortion care, women and healthcare workers in Uganda remain reluctant to seek or offer help due to societal and religious pressures. Activist Moses Odongo, whose 14-year-old cousin Christine died in an attempt to terminate her pregnancy, talks to Africa Daily’s Mpho Lakaje about what happened to his cousin.